Itinerary

1. Day 1 : Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara Hut (2700m)

   • After breakfast, get picked up from the hotel in Arusha and drive towards the Marangu gate.

   • Meet the team of guides and porters at the gate who will pack the belongings for the hike.

   • Register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA) and begin the adventure into the rainforest. 

   • See the bright-coloured birds, colobus monkeys and other species of monkey as well as mosses, lichens, flowers and delicate orchids in the forest. 

   • Reach the Mandara Hut for dinner and overnight stay.

   
   At nighttime, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared
   Habitat: Montane forest

2. Day 2 : Mandara Hut (2700m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)

   • After breakfast, head towards the Moorland.

   • Pass the Maundi Crater and climb up to its rim for a spectacular view of the Kibo Crater.

   • Spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel.

   • After 6 hours of hiking, reach Horombo Hut (3720m) for an overnight stay and dinner.

   Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this site
   Habitat: Moorland

3. Day 3 : Horombo Hut (3720m) – Acclimatization Day

   • Acclimatize throughout the day. Pick the option of doing a day hike to Mawenzi Hut (4600m) for further acclimatization with the guide.

   
   Breakfast and dinner will be at the hut, and lunch will be either be packed or at the hut depending on your preference for the day.

4. Day 4 : Horombo Hut (3720m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)

   • After breakfast, continue your ascent into the alpine desert habitat. 
   • Choose from the option of 2 trails that lead to Kibo Hut (4700m):
     • The upper route (located to the right of the fork) is the same trail used the previous day for the day hike to Mawenzi Hut.
     • The lower route (located to the left of the fork) is the more popular route because of its shorter hiking distance (1-hour shorter).
   • Reach Kibo Hut located in the "Saddle", which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. Hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office.

   Dinner will be served early so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night.

   Get the briefing from the guide on how to prepare for summit night.

   Habitat: Alpine desert

5. Day 5 : Summit Attempt

   • Accompany your guide as they will wake you around for tea and biscuits.
   • Begin the summit attempt, the trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). Ascend to Gillman's Point (5681m), the trail is steep, rocky and at high altitude.
   • Cover a snow-covered trail on the way to reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Take photographs while at the summit and enjoy the tea.
   • Hike down to Kibo Hut which takes around 3 hours. Upon arrival at Kibo Hut, take a rest and enjoy a delicious hot lunch in the sun.
   • Continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). 

   Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

6. Day 6 : Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)

   • After breakfast, participate in the celebration full of dancing and singing. 
   • Present the tips to the guide, assistant guides, Chefs and porters. 
   • Head towards the Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive a certificate of completion.
     • Hikers who reached Gillman's Point (5681m), get green certificates. 
     • Hikers who reached Uluru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates.
   • Drive back to Arusha for long overdue showers and more celebrations.